The upcoming U.S. presidential election carries significant implications for Central America, a region whose economic and social stability are heavily influenced by U.S. policies. Historically, changes in administrations have ushered in shifts on Washington’s stance on immigration, trade and foreign aid, and this election promises to be no exception.
The strained relations on display during former President Donald Trump’s first term, marked by restrictive immigration policies, harsh rhetoric and economic protectionism, could resurface if he were to return to power. Conversely, Vice President Kamala Harris might offer a more collaborative approach as president, though Central America has not been a significant priority under the current administration. President Joe Biden has only visited Latin America once since taking office, and Harris has made just four trips, despite being the administration’s point person for regional policy.
This is a stark contrast to the administration of former President Barack Obama, during which Biden—then the vice president—visited the region 16 times. Still, even that outreach remained superficial, as deeper engagement ultimately failed to materialize. In many ways, the region remains an afterthought in Washington, despite it playing a key role in a range of policy outcomes that have become central to U.S. political debates, not least the hotly contested issue of immigration.